The Worst Food for Your Teeth Is NOT SUGAR

Learn about the worst food that can severely erode your teeth, and it's not sugar! Fruit juice, diet soda, gummy bears, citric acid—find out which is the main culprit behind tooth decay and erosion.

DATA:

.

0:00 Intro: The worst types of food for your teeth
2:59 Why is citric acid terrible for your teeth?
3:30 How does citric acid affect the calcium in your teeth?
3:55 Worst types of citric acid
4:32 How to reduce acidic impact on your teeth

Our diet plays a crucial role in maintaining our overall health, including the health of our teeth and gums. Certain foods can lead to tooth enamel erosion, causing dental problems such as cavities, decay, and sensitivity.

Here are some of the worst foods you should avoid for your teeth:
• Diet soda
• Candy
• Powdered starches
• Liquid sugar containing high-fructose corn syrup
• Soda with phosphoric acid
• Gummy bears and caramels

But out of all these, the worst food for your teeth is not sugar but citric acid!

Citric acid is a common ingredient in many processed foods and drinks, including fruit juices, diet sodas, and even some toothpaste. Despite being found naturally in fruits like lemons and limes, the citric acid used in processed products is often synthetically made.

Citric acid is a powerful calcium chelator, which means it binds with calcium and pulls it out of teeth. This can lead to erosion and demineralization of teeth, causing them to weaken and become more susceptible to cavities.

The pH of citric acid is also a contributing factor. While the ideal pH in the mouth is slightly above 7 (neutral or slightly alkaline), citric acid has a lower pH of around 3 to 6, making it even more damaging.

The worst type of citric acid for teeth is trisodium citrate, also known as sodium citrate. It's commonly found in many processed products and is a major contributor to tooth erosion.

So what can you do to protect your teeth from the harmful effects of citric acid?
• Rinse your mouth with water after consuming anything
• Check labels carefully and opt for products without synthetic citric acid
• Use toothpaste that does not contain citric acid, or make your own at home using natural ingredients

Dr. Eric Berg DC Bio:
Dr. Berg, age 59, is a chiropractor who specializes in Healthy Ketosis & Intermittent Fasting. He is the author of the best-selling book The Healthy Keto Plan and is the Director of Dr. Berg Nutritionals. He no longer practices, but focuses on health education through social media.

Follow Me on Social Media:
Facebook:

Instagram:

Listen to my Podcast:

TikTok:

Disclaimer:
Dr. Eric Berg received his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic in 1988. His use of “doctor” or “Dr.” in relation to himself solely refers to that degree. Dr. Berg is a licensed chiropractor in Virginia, California, and Louisiana, but he no longer practices chiropractic in any state and does not see patients, so he can focus on educating people as a full-time activity, yet he maintains an active license. This video is for general informational purposes only. It should not be used to self-diagnose, and it is not a substitute for a medical exam, cure, treatment, diagnosis, prescription, or recommendation. It does not create a doctor-patient relationship between Dr. Berg and you. You should not make any change in your health regimen or diet before first consulting a physician and obtaining a medical exam, diagnosis, and recommendation. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

#keto #ketodiet #weightloss #ketolifestyle

Thanks for watching! Stay mindful of citric acid in your diet and take steps to protect your teeth from its harmful effects. I'll see you in the next video!

NEVER MISS A POST AGAIN...

Join our update list today!

Posted in

84 Comments

  1. @Ultra_Marathoner_Denis_Keane on April 23, 2024 at 12:02 pm

    My jaw and lower teeth are in bits, watching Dr Bergs videos my jaw always plummets to the ground 😮

    • @mariecurie7491 on April 23, 2024 at 12:06 pm

      😂

    • @mahroof8730 on April 23, 2024 at 12:11 pm

      🤣

    • @aprilgarnett55 on April 23, 2024 at 12:34 pm

      Go carnivore, it healed my teeth and gums, and that wasn’t even something I knew was an effect of the diet. Plaque literally fell off. Teeth remineralized. Don’t do mouthwash, kills good bacteria. Get a nanohypoxite(sp?) toothpaste

    • @lucylu9792 on April 23, 2024 at 2:28 pm

      😂

  2. @i.mahdihosseini on April 23, 2024 at 12:03 pm

    00:00 🦷 Citric acid, not sugar, poses a significant threat to teeth due to its calcium-leeching properties.
    00:27 🥤 Diet soda might be worse for teeth than regular soda.
    01:07 🍬 Candy and powdered starches promote acid production, damaging teeth.
    01:20 🥤 Liquid sugar drinks increase acid exposure to teeth.
    01:49 🥤 Phosphoric acid in sodas can contribute to tooth erosion.
    02:15 🍬 Sticky candies prolong sugar exposure, exacerbating tooth damage.
    03:08 🍋 Citric acid, found naturally or synthetically, erodes teeth by binding with calcium.
    04:30 🚰 Gargling with water after consuming acidic or sugary substances helps minimize tooth damage.

    • @PropheticPrincessRo on April 23, 2024 at 12:07 pm

      MVP 🎉

    • @sahabshraddha8453 on April 23, 2024 at 12:13 pm

      Am also gargling after intaking sodas candy any sugar drink etc😂

    • @ericbadu3726 on April 23, 2024 at 2:21 pm

      Thanks.

    • @bonginkosimotloung4440 on April 23, 2024 at 2:50 pm

      🍺

    • @saramorisani on April 23, 2024 at 4:56 pm

      Thanks!

  3. @khaos1999 on April 23, 2024 at 12:07 pm

    Oooooooo I’m so sick of maltidextrin!!! Once I learned about it, I was finding it in EVERYTHING

    • @anupmasayal3857 on April 23, 2024 at 12:20 pm

      Same here

    • @Disciple-ofChrist on April 23, 2024 at 12:21 pm

      It’s added to the generic stevia I was buying!

    • @khaos1999 on April 23, 2024 at 12:23 pm

      ​@Disciple-ofChrist seriously!?!?!

    • @believe-in-yourself on April 23, 2024 at 12:23 pm

      Maltodextrin 😊

    • @afisanaa on April 23, 2024 at 12:25 pm

      Eat ONLY whole foods, single ingredient foods.
      Meat, eggs etc

  4. @thenashvillenightshow5119 on April 23, 2024 at 12:08 pm

    Fascinating video. A must watch for everyone

    • @Drberg on April 23, 2024 at 12:21 pm

      I’m thankful!

    • @lindaa5344 on April 23, 2024 at 12:30 pm

      Informative video. Thank you Dr. Berg. 🩷

  5. @godnyx117 on April 23, 2024 at 12:09 pm

    Thank you for the video, Dr. Berg!

    One thing I would like to ask, as it wasn’t very clear to me in the video. Is there a problem when the NATURAL acid that comes with lemons? Meaning, if add lemon juice (by squishing the lemon) in my food, is that going to create a problem in my teeth or is it only the processed juices (with the added acids) that demineralize our teeth?

    • @Apollos2023 on April 23, 2024 at 12:24 pm

      I think he said those were good. It’s the synthetic versions that are the problem.

    • @godnyx117 on April 23, 2024 at 12:28 pm

      @@Apollos2023 Thank you for the reply! I do care a lot about it as I like lemons because of Vitamin C (and of course, their taste is good as well, hehe)!

    • @Phoenixrises89 on April 23, 2024 at 12:43 pm

      @@godnyx117medical medium says lemons are great for us. I have 2 lemons daily (sliced) in a big mason jar of distilled water…
      Been years and no problems!

    • @godnyx117 on April 23, 2024 at 1:31 pm

      @@Phoenixrises89 Thank you so much for the information!!!!

  6. @joans8945 on April 23, 2024 at 12:16 pm

    Dentist here. Sticky raisins and dates can be an issue as well. Hydroxyapatite, which is what your teeth are made of, is now available in toothpastes and powders to help remineralize your teeth.

    • @believe-in-yourself on April 23, 2024 at 12:22 pm

      Oh wow Thank You, very interesting ❤

    • @janislohman8125 on April 23, 2024 at 12:27 pm

      Thank you very much! 💖💖💖💖

    • @godnyx117 on April 23, 2024 at 12:29 pm

      Thank you so much for the information! You are a very kind person for sharing that! ❤

    • @yanak7159 on April 23, 2024 at 12:30 pm

      Our son got a bunch of cavities as a toddler after having Larabars on regular basis! The dates get stuck in the teeth just as bad as those gummy bears. I’ve never given him candy or juice. It was such a shocker to me.

    • @l.c.8798 on April 23, 2024 at 12:31 pm

      Which toothpaste do you recommend?

  7. @mwilliams369 on April 23, 2024 at 12:16 pm

    Amazing video, Dr Berg. Great explanation. Thank you ❤😊

    • @Drberg on April 23, 2024 at 12:36 pm

      Most welcome! Glad you found the information useful!

  8. @fantastichound on April 23, 2024 at 12:19 pm

    Thank you dr. you are great, God bless you, keep you healthy and your loved ones.

  9. @Jack0Ward on April 23, 2024 at 12:25 pm

    ‘This can lead to erosion and demineralization of teeth’,
    the question is, is it possible to undo or naturally repair them?

    • @Okunniger_Volker on April 23, 2024 at 12:38 pm

      Yes, hydroxyapatite (what your teeth are made of) toothpaste and mouthwash, your body also makes this from I believe vitamin d3 and calcium, so milk and sunlight.

    • @healing682 on April 23, 2024 at 12:48 pm

      @@Okunniger_Volker Raw milk, start an oral detox following up with a new oral care routine including oil pulling, tongue scraping, nano hydroxyapatite tooth paste or powder (primal life organics has an amazing tooth powder) chew xylitol/frankincense gum or mints, get a good oral prebiotic/probiotic like Armra colostrum

    • @zebbieloo7409 on April 23, 2024 at 1:00 pm

      More calcium in greens. Milk strips calcium. Milk is created for thst baby animal. Unless its human milk lol. Milk is no good for anyone

    • @KR-os6nn on April 23, 2024 at 1:08 pm

      check out WAPF.

    • @Okunniger_Volker on April 23, 2024 at 2:42 pm

      @zebbieloo7409  sources on milk stripping calcium?
      Milk has been my go to for remineralizing my teeth, milk and sunlight and it was noticeable within 24hrs, calcium in plants is not as bioavalible and won’t create hydroxyapatite as readily because of this.

  10. @Matthew25662 on April 23, 2024 at 12:31 pm

    I’m afraid I have citric acid teeth. So much tart candy consumed in my youth. Thank you.

    • @TheSleepingonit on April 23, 2024 at 2:21 pm

      I used to drink very strong lemon water

    • @funtimes8296 on April 23, 2024 at 4:32 pm

      I use to live off candy, still intake a lot of sugar and soda and my dentist says I have some of the strongest enamel she’s ever seen. Also didn’t go to the dentist for 16 years and didn’t have one cavity…

  11. @candacea749 on April 23, 2024 at 12:37 pm

    I’ve been using your recipe for toothpaste for the last couple months, not only has it changed the sensitivity on my teeth, but it also doesn’t make it feel like my teeth is being stripped with a highly abrasive material. Thank you for sharing that recipe! And thank you for, being honest about harmful foods that we are exposed to.

  12. @franciscote9292 on April 23, 2024 at 12:41 pm

    getting rid of all the processed foods is just the cure for everything. i dont have to read labels i already know i dont want it imma process my food myself

    • @HarrisonCountyStudio on April 23, 2024 at 2:11 pm

      So true. Cutting out the processed foods can alleviate so many ailments; joint pain, seasonal allergies, to curing sleeplessness…

      Processed sugar is like a drug. It’s tough going the first 3-4 days of cutting it out, but your life will change. It’s almost a religious experience. ❤✌🏽

    • @XOChristianaNicole on April 23, 2024 at 2:15 pm

      I went carnivore for four months (adrenals couldn’t handle it), and cut out majority of processed foods, for about 6-months after that.

      I still had progressives dental/decay issues — while using hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and fluoride-free.

      It’s a microbiome issue.

      I started using Dr. Ellie Phillips’ protocol (she’s here on YT) — and my teeth have begun to remineralize, less dark spots, and less sensitivity.

      And I eat processed foods, again.

      Sometimes, I even forget I didn’t brush my teeth, in the morning — because I wake up with zero morning breath, or ick in my mouth.

      I had a Fusobacterium infection, in my mouth, lungs, colon, and digestive tract (this is the bacterium that is the precursor to colon cancer, causes endometriosis, Crohn’s/UC, and so much more. We all have it, though, it can become opportunistic, in unwell/inflamed environments)..

      However, after getting surgery and a drainage tube, and even had a bunch of dental work done — it still was causing the tooth decay.

      I haven’t had issues, since I started this protocol.

    • @nsevv on April 23, 2024 at 3:03 pm

      ​@@XOChristianaNicoleEvery food is processed the moment you grind, cook it.

    • @slimfit767 on April 23, 2024 at 4:37 pm

      ​@@nsevvsmh

  13. @keithmarshalldds511 on April 23, 2024 at 12:43 pm

    Another DDS here. Also, don’t brush for at least a half hour after consuming anything sugary or acid since the tooth is soft and susceptible to toothbrush erosion.
    After every meal I have my patients rinse with water and then dissolve two xylitol mints in there mouth. Xylitol is a great neutralizer to the effects of sugar, etc.

    • @bloodeagle2945 on April 23, 2024 at 1:05 pm

      Do you recommend garlic and onion as toothpaste?

    • @aes9639 on April 23, 2024 at 1:17 pm

      😊​@@bloodeagle2945

    • @anthonygoodwill7457 on April 23, 2024 at 1:20 pm

      Thank you, this is a great tip. A small warning though, if you have dogs, do not bring xylitol into the house. It is lethal.

    • @lanetteehrhardt1225 on April 23, 2024 at 1:32 pm

      I chew xylitol gum after my meals.

    • @peggyuser-oq6xz7fg9o on April 23, 2024 at 1:42 pm

      Xylitol gives me a terrible stomach ache. Is there another way to balance the ph?

  14. @healing682 on April 23, 2024 at 12:43 pm

    I can’t get my head around people that still drink sodas regularly. There is a world of options people don’t seem to be aware of.

    • @reneeann5340 on April 23, 2024 at 12:55 pm

      Addiction

    • @healing682 on April 23, 2024 at 1:37 pm

      @@reneeann5340 Not always, I was organising a family event on the other side of the world and I was advising not to have some drinks at a party and the response was – so what we can we drink (apart from sodas or wine). The average joe doesn’t look past supermarket shelves.

    • @patriciaoreilly8907 on April 23, 2024 at 1:41 pm

      You can drink Coke through a stainless steel straw 😊

    • @healing682 on April 23, 2024 at 1:46 pm

      @@patriciaoreilly8907 I have stomach ulcers. Stopped drinking sodas some 15 years ago. I used to have at least 4-5 cans a day as a teenager.

    • @soulsistah5738 on April 23, 2024 at 1:48 pm

      @@patriciaoreilly8907lmaoo yea ok

  15. @fidelcatsro6948 on April 23, 2024 at 12:58 pm

    Dr Berg notes:

    Our diet plays a crucial role in maintaining our overall health, including the health of our teeth and gums. Certain foods can lead to tooth enamel erosion, causing dental problems such as cavities, decay, and sensitivity.

    Here are some of the worst foods you should avoid for your teeth:
    • Diet soda
    • Candy
    • Powdered starches
    • Liquid sugar containing high-fructose corn syrup
    • Soda with phosphoric acid
    • Gummy bears and caramels

    But out of all these, the worst food for your teeth is not sugar but citric acid!

    Citric acid is a common ingredient in many processed foods and drinks, including fruit juices, diet sodas, and even some toothpaste. Despite being found naturally in fruits like lemons and limes, the citric acid used in processed products is often synthetically made.

    Citric acid is a powerful calcium chelator, which means it binds with calcium and pulls it out of teeth. This can lead to erosion and demineralization of teeth, causing them to weaken and become more susceptible to cavities.

    The pH of citric acid is also a contributing factor. While the ideal pH in the mouth is slightly above 7 (neutral or slightly alkaline), citric acid has a lower pH of around 3 to 6, making it even more damaging.

    The worst type of citric acid for teeth is trisodium citrate, also known as sodium citrate. It’s commonly found in many processed products and is a major contributor to tooth erosion.

    So what can you do to protect your teeth from the harmful effects of citric acid?
    • Rinse your mouth with water after consuming anything
    • Check labels carefully and opt for products without synthetic citric acid
    • Use toothpaste that does not contain citric acid, or make your own at home using natural ingredients

    Thank you Dr Berg!
    🐱👍

    • @CatsMeow2.0-gr8gr on April 23, 2024 at 1:19 pm

      Thx 🎉

    • @josefserf1926 on April 23, 2024 at 1:34 pm

      Good work

    • @kathleenking47 on April 23, 2024 at 2:21 pm

      Also, use xylitol gum, after eating these things.
      It will raise saliva pH up to 7.4 ..same as blood

  16. @CatsMeow2.0-gr8gr on April 23, 2024 at 1:17 pm

    Don’t forget to use a “straw” when consuming ACV, lemon drink ✅

    • @majackslelo827 on April 23, 2024 at 4:19 pm

      🫡🫡🫡

    • @NewEra- on April 23, 2024 at 7:00 pm

      Not really needed. All my life I drink orange juices and add much, much lemon on my food. The only problem may be the slight yellowing.

  17. @rus1078 on April 23, 2024 at 1:31 pm

    They put citric acid in so many products now not just junk . Really need to read labels 🤓

    • @NewEra- on April 23, 2024 at 7:02 pm

      Citric acid is NOT that bad for teeth.

  18. @josefserf1926 on April 23, 2024 at 1:35 pm

    Regularly rinsing your mouth out with water will go a long way towards protecting your oral health.

    • @Ashtarot77 on April 23, 2024 at 2:45 pm

      Having water with a meal or afterwards helps in that respect.

    • @Penland1234 on April 23, 2024 at 2:51 pm

      Alternate between oil pulling, toothpaste, and floss.

    • @mumenrider862 on April 23, 2024 at 2:53 pm

      Yep. Havent brushed for over 6 years. Just waterpik 3x a day. Teeth and gums never looked better. Fluoride is poison and toothpaste contains sugar.

    • @mumenrider862 on April 23, 2024 at 2:54 pm

      @@Penland1234 skip the toothpaste and waterpik 2-3x a day and chew on a clove after. Fluoride is poison.

    • @7x779 on April 23, 2024 at 4:34 pm

      Only if done immediately after a meal, otherwise it’s bad for your teeth because your mouth starts secreting minerals immediately to rebuild the teeth and you drink water frequently you’re just rinsing the minerals out

      Look at Dr Ellie’s videos on mouth care, it works, I’ve done it

  19. @Joannbosa6049 on April 23, 2024 at 1:37 pm

    Living in Italy, much of this stuff I don’t even recognise. What are sodas? Anyway my teeth are nice and clean with bicarbonate of soda.

    • @SpamMouse on April 23, 2024 at 1:51 pm

      Soda = Pepsi Cola / Coca Cola / Red Bull / Fanta etc etc.

    • @thriftylady1170 on April 23, 2024 at 2:17 pm

      Soda or “Pop” is carbonated sugar drinks (ginger ale, colas etc) we call it Soda and in some places Pop here in the US 😊it’s artificially carbonated (not like natural mineral water) and contains a lot of other things. It’s not a natural fermented drink.

    • @OC-CPA on April 23, 2024 at 2:33 pm

      I’m pretty sure you have soda (like Coca Cola) in Italy…

    • @munbsz8375 on April 23, 2024 at 2:40 pm

      ​@@OC-CPAIt’s a bot mate 😂

    • @Joeshmo772 on April 23, 2024 at 2:47 pm

      No Brio? My mom and dad grew up in Southern Italy post ww2, they used lumps of charcoal to brush their teeth. No cavities, beautiful white smiles and all their teeth in place and they’re in their 80s now.

  20. @Scoobystyle on April 23, 2024 at 1:55 pm

    I wanted to thank you, I’m fighting my way out out a 6 year depression, and 20 years of narcotics “prescribed only”. I don’t go to any doctors, but I got lucky finding your channel, while looking for “how to mix the vinegar and lemon juice”. Healthy body leads to a healthy mind. Also I wish there were more videos on how diet soda changes the way you digest food, there are caffeine alternatives. You make keto easier to understand as well! Anyway, “THANK YOU”

    • @Jess-kn8vl on April 23, 2024 at 5:08 pm

      Congrats! 🌱

Leave a Comment





Never miss another post...

Subscribe to

Weight Loss

Tips Now!

We always respect your privacy